Florida s Guide to Public High School Graduation

Transcription

1 Florida s Guide to Public High School Graduation It s a Major Opportunity! For Students Entering Ninth Grade in Florida Department of Education 2007

2 High School Graduation Programs Overview If you are the parent of a Florida middle or high school student, this guide is for you. It is designed to explain Florida s high school graduation programs, including two programs that let students graduate from high school in three years. The guide also provides information to help students and their families as they plan and prepare for postsecondary goals. (For more information about a special diploma and other graduation options for students with disabilities, contact your child s guidance counselor or exceptional student education teacher, or visit Florida students entering their first year of high school in the school year may choose from the following graduation programs: The traditional 24-credit program An International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program An Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma Program A three-year, 18-credit college preparatory program A three-year, 18-credit career preparatory program All of these graduation paths include opportunities to take rigorous academic courses designed to prepare students for their future academic and career choices. All students, regardless of graduation program, must still earn a specific grade point average on a 4.0 scale and achieve passing scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in order to graduate with a standard diploma (refer to graduation options charts). However, the two three-year programs are significantly different from the traditional 24-credit program. Traditional 24-Credit Program It s a Major Opportunity! This program requires students to take at least 24 credits in subject areas such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, and a physical education course to include the integration of health. Foreign language credit is not required for this program, although it is recommended for community college preparation and is required for admission to Florida s state universities. This program offers students the chance to take eight elective credits- four credits in a major area of interest and four credits combined to allow for a second major area of interest, a minor area of interest, or elective courses. Major areas of interests will allow students to define their interests and use their high school experience to become better prepared for higher education and/or a career of their choosing. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of study leading to internationally standardized tests. The program s comprehensive two-year curriculum allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of many different nations education systems. Students completing IB courses and exams from the six subject groups are eligible for college credit. The award of credit is based on scores achieved on IB exams. Students can earn up to 30 postsecondary semester credits by participating in this program at the high school level. Approximately 45 Florida high schools participate in the IB program. Students in Florida s public secondary schools who are enrolled in IB courses do not have to pay to take the exams. For information, visit Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Program The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Program is an international curriculum and examination program modeled on the British pre-college curriculum and A-Level exams. Florida s public community colleges and universities provide college credit for successfully passed exams. Students in Florida s public secondary schools who are enrolled in AICE courses do not have to pay to take the exams. For information, visit and click on Qualifications & Diplomas. 1

3 Three-Year, 18-Credit College Preparatory Program This accelerated graduation program requires fewer credits than the traditional 24-credit program and does not require the student to select a major area of interest. It focuses more on academic courses, which means students take fewer elective courses. Unlike the traditional 24-credit program, the threeyear college preparatory program requires students to earn two credits in a foreign language. Students must earn at least 6 of the 18 required credits in specified rigorous level courses and maintain a cumulative weighted grade point average of a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale with a weighted or unweighted grade that earns at least a 3.0 or its equivalent in each of the 18 required credits for the college preparatory program. It also requires higher-level mathematics courses than does the 24-credit program and the three-year career preparatory program. The credits required by this program must satisfy the minimum standards for admission into Florida s state universities. Three-Year, 18-Credit Career Preparatory Program This accelerated graduation program requires fewer credits than the traditional 24-credit program and does not require the student to select a major area of interest. It focuses more on academic courses, which means students take fewer elective courses. Unlike the 24-credit program, the three-year career preparatory program requires students to earn specific credits in a single vocational or career education program. It requires students to maintain a cumulative weighted grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with a weighted or unweighted grade that earns at least a 2.0 or its equivalent in each of the 18 required credits for the career preparatory program. The requirements of the program are designed to prepare students for entrance into a technical center or community college for career preparation or for entrance into the workforce. Choosing a Program The three-year programs are designed for students who are clear about their future goals, who are mature enough to leave high school, and who are ready to pursue their goals beyond high school in an accelerated manner. To assist students and parents with this task, each school district shall provide each student in grades 6 through 9 and their parents with information concerning the three-year and four-year high school graduation options, including the respective curriculum requirements for those options, so that the students and their parents may select the program that best fits their needs. To select a threeyear graduation program, students and their parents must meet with designated school personnel to receive an explanation of the requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of each program option. Students must also receive the written consent of their parents. Students must select a graduation program prior to the end of ninth grade. Each student and his or her family should select the graduation program that will best prepare the student for his or her postsecondary education or career plan. Acceleration Programs and Advanced Coursework Studies show that students who complete a solid academic program in high school, including advanced courses, are more likely to be successful in college. Students in all graduation programs are encouraged to take advantage of advanced course offerings and acceleration programs such as dual enrollment, early admission, the Advanced Placement Program, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, the Advanced International Certificate of Education Program, and the Florida Virtual School. These programs are available to all qualified students, no matter which graduation program they choose. For information, contact your child s school counselor. Dual enrollment allows eligible high school students to enroll in postsecondary courses. They earn credit toward high school graduation and, at the same time, earn credit toward a college degree or technical certificate. All 28 public community colleges and some of the state universities in Florida participate in dual enrollment. Students are permitted to take dual enrollment courses on a part-time basis during school hours, after school, or during the summer term. Dual enrollment students do not have to pay 2

4 registration, matriculation, or laboratory fees. In addition, text books for dual enrollment are provided to students free of charge. Early admission is similar to dual enrollment, except that students enroll in college/university courses full-time. They earn credits simultaneously toward a college degree and a high school diploma. Advanced Placement (AP) Program The College Board s Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a nationwide program consisting of more than 30 college-level courses and exams offered at participating high schools. Subjects range from art to statistics. Students who earn a qualifying grade of three or above on an AP exam can earn college credit or advanced placement or both, depending on the college or university. Students in Florida s public secondary schools enrolled in AP courses do not have to pay to take the exams. For information, visit International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program For information, please refer to page 1 or contact your child s guidance counselor. Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Program For information, please refer to page 1 or contact your child s guidance counselor. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (pre-aice) Program (IGCSE) The International General Certificate of Secondary Education [pre-aice (Advanced International Certificate of Education)] Program is an international curriculum and examination program designed for 14- to 16-year-olds. Students who obtain an IGCSE qualification from Cambridge are prepared for further academic success, including progression to the British pre-college curriculum A-Level study (AICE Program). Students in Florida s public secondary schools who are enrolled in pre-aice courses do not have to pay to take the exams. For information, visit and click on Qualifications and Diplomas, then IGCSE. Florida Virtual School The Florida Virtual School offers high-quality, online high school curricula, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Florida Virtual School can be a resource for students with limited access to AP offerings in their traditional schools. For information, visit Adult Education Many school districts let high school students take courses through their adult education program. Credits earned may be applied to requirements for high school graduation, subject to the local school board s policies. For information, visit College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Students with strong content background in a subject area can earn credit through an examination program administered by the college they attend. One such program is the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Candidates for the CLEP are postsecondary students who have completed an AP course but did not take or earn a qualifying score on the AP exam. Other students who have taken several high school courses in one particular subject area may wish to take a CLEP exam when they begin selecting college courses. For more information on CLEP testing sites and dates, contact the admissions or registrar s office at the postsecondary institution in your area or visit 3

5 Making the Right Choice The right graduation program for a particular student is the one that best fits the abilities, interests, and goals of that individual student. Families should consider the educational benefits of each program and choose the one that will best prepare the student for his or her postsecondary education or career plan. Here are some things that students and families should consider. What is the student s postsecondary education and/or career goal? Is the student prepared to make a choice about postsecondary education and possible career paths? Is the student mature enough to leave high school after three years? If the student is planning to attend a postsecondary institution away from home, does he or she have the mature decision-making skills needed to make the informed, safe choices required for independent living? Are three electives enough, or is the student interested in taking additional courses to explore their interests? Does the student want to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities for four years, or are three years enough? Can the student meet admissions requirements for postsecondary education institutions of his or her choice by choosing an 18-credit graduation program? Has the family considered expenses and possible financial aid needs that may result from the student starting postsecondary education a year early? Is the student going to compete for scholarships that require certain academic core courses, community service experiences, demonstrated leadership skills, or participation in extracurricular activities? Has the family considered that the student has the option of taking an additional year of academic or technical courses through dual enrollment or to earn additional AP course credit/college credit by choosing the 24-credit program? Is the student planning to play college level sports and needing to meet NCAA course eligibility requirements? If the student is enrolled in a prepaid college tuition plan, can the family pay off the balance of the plan a year early? Families are encouraged to contact the school guidance counselor or career specialist at their child s school to get more information about graduation programs, financial aid opportunities, accelerated programs, and college or career plans to help them make this important decision. Students and parents are also encouraged to continue to discuss these plans with the school counselor on a regular basis during the middle school and high school years. It is necessary we promote a safe and healthy lifestyle through parent, teacher, and community involvement to the benefit of our students. Students need to be interested and involved in their academic progress and in planning for their futures in order to ensure that they will be prepared to achieve their postsecondary goals. For more information about graduation programs, contact your child s guidance counselor. 4

6 Points to Remember When Choosing a Graduation Program Students who choose a three-year graduation program may still qualify for acceleration programs (e.g., Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, International Baccalaureate, Advanced International Certificate of Education) and for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship if they meet the eligibility and/or admissions requirements for those programs and scholarships. Students who choose a three-year graduation program can participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program if they take the PSAT/NMSQT in either the next-to-last year or the last year they are enrolled in high school. Those who take the PSAT/NMSQT in their last year of high school will be entering competition for awards to be offered as they are completing their first year of college. Students who choose the three-year program, complete the 18 credits, earn a cumulative weighted GPA (with individual course credit GPA requirements), and pass the FCAT must graduate at the end of the three years. They cannot remain in school for a fourth year. Students will lose a year of potential athletics eligibility by opting for a three-year program. Issues such as continued eligibility for high school athletics or other extracurricular activities should be taken into consideration when making the decision. Students who choose a three-year program will automatically move to the four-year, 24-credit program if they do not earn five credits by the end of grade 9 or 11 credits by the end of grade 10; do not achieve a score of three or higher on the grade 10 FCAT Writing assessment; do not pass the grade 10 FCAT; or do not meet credit or GPA requirements by the end of their third year. Passing the Grade 10 FCAT is critical. Students who meet specified requirements for a comprehensive program of study in career education may be recognized with a career education certification on his or her high school diploma. High school credits awarded before ninth grade can be counted toward the required credits for all graduation programs. Students must remain in high school at least three years regardless of how many credits they earn before that time. Students and parents are required to sign a graduation program option form prior to selecting a threeyear program. The three-year graduation programs are only available to students who will receive a standard diploma. Out-of state and out-of-country students are eligible for all graduation programs as long as they fulfill the credit requirements, maintain the required GPA, and pass the FCAT. Students who complete the three-year college preparatory program must still satisfy minimum academic core credit requirements for state university system admissions. Students who choose the three-year career preparatory program must take their electives in career and technical education courses. Students who plan to apply to an out-of-state or private in-state college or university and who are interested in one of the three-year graduation programs should contact those institutions as early as possible for specific admissions requirements. Students who choose a three-year graduation program must be treated equally in all ways with students who choose the traditional 24-credit option, including eligibility for valedictorian or salutatorian ranking, Talented 20, and Bright Futures. 5

7 Students Entering Ninth Grade in School Year English Subject Area Mathematics Science Social Studies Foreign Language Graduation Requirements of 24-Credit/4-year Traditional Program 4 credits, with major concentration in composition, reading for information, and literature 4 credits, one of which must be Algebra I or its equivalent, or a higher-level mathematics course (2) 3 credits in natural science, two must have a laboratory component 1 credit world history 1 credit American history.5 credit American govt..5 credit economics Not required for high school graduation; but required for admission into state universities Graduation Requirements of 18-Credit/3-year College Preparatory Program (1) 4 credits, with major concentration in composition and literature 3 credits at the Algebra I level or above from the list of courses that qualify for state university admission 3 credits in natural science, two must have a laboratory component 1 credit world history 1 credit American history.5 credit American govt..5 credit economics 2 credits in the same language or demonstrated proficiency in a second language Graduation Requirements of 18-Credit/3-year Career Preparatory Program 4 credits, with major concentration in composition and literature 3 credits, one of which must be Algebra I or its equivalent (2) 3 credits in natural science, two must have a laboratory component 1 credit world history 1 credit American history.5 credit American govt..5 credit economics Not Required Fine Arts 1 credit in fine arts Not Required Not Required Physical Education 1 credit in physical education to include the integration of health (3) Not Required Not Required Majors, Minors, or Electives (4) 8 credits 4 credits in a major area of interest 4 credits in elective courses, which may be combined to allow for a second major area of interest, a minor area of interest (3 credits), individual elective courses, intensive reading or mathematics intervention courses, or credit recovery courses 3 credits in electives 3 credits in single vocational/career education program and 2 credits in electives or 3 credits in single career/technical certificate dual enrollment and 2 credits in electives or 5 credits in vocational/career education (including 3 credits in one sequential career and technical education program) Total 24 credits 18 credits 18 credits State Assessment Requirements Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements Passing scores on the Grade 10 FCAT or scores on a standardized test that are concordant with the passing scores on the FCAT (ACT or SAT) Cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale Passing scores on the Grade 10 FCAT or scores on a standardized test that are concordant with the passing scores on the FCAT (ACT or SAT) Cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the courses required for the college preparatory program and a weighted or unweighted grade that earns at least 3.0 points or its equivalent in each of the 18 required credits Passing scores on the Grade 10 FCAT or scores on a standardized test that are concordant with the passing scores on the FCAT (ACT or SAT) Cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the courses required for the career preparatory program and a weighted or unweighted grade that earns at least 2.0 points or its equivalent in each of the 18 required credits (1) (2) (3) (4) All courses earned toward the 18-credit/three-year College Prep Program must satisfy admission requirements for the state university system. To determine which courses meet state university system admissions requirements, please use the Comprehensive Course Table or see school guidance counselor for assistance. At least 6 of the 18 credits must be in classes that are dual enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), or specifically listed as rigorous by the Department of Education. See high school guidance counselor for assistance with Algebra I equivalents. Courses or series of courses deemed equivalent for satisfying the Algebra I graduation requirements are: Algebra I; Algebra I Honors; Algebra Ia and Ib; Applied Mathematics I and II, Integrated Mathematics I and II; and Pacesetter Mathematics I. See high school guidance counselor for physical education electives. Students may revise major areas of interest each year as part of their annual course registration processes. 6

8 State University/Community College Admission and Bright Futures Requirements State University System Admission Requirements Florida Community College System Admission Requirements Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements for 2011 High School Graduates To qualify to enter one of Florida s public universities, a student must: OR Meet all traditional requirements high school graduation with a standard diploma grade point average in high school academic core courses admissions test scores (ACT or SAT) Qualify for the Talented 20 program OR OR Be selected through a student profile assessment that considers other special factors (e.g., special talents) Obtain an associate of arts degree from a Florida community college The 18 high school credits required for SUS admission are: 4 English (3 with substantial writing) 3 mathematics (algebra I and above) 3 natural science (2 with substantial lab) 3 social science 2 foreign language (in the same language) 3 approved electives (in certain combinations) Students must meet with their counselor to ensure that courses satisfy SUS admission requirements. To qualify to enter an associate degree program at one of Florida s community colleges, a student must: OR OR AND Graduate with a standard high school diploma Earn a high school equivalency diploma Have previously demonstrated competency in college credit postsecondary coursework Demonstrate achievement of college-level communication and computation skills (often determined by exam or standardized test scores) For those students interested in nondegree certificate programs, please see an admissions counselor as requirements may vary. The 18 high school credits recommended for community college admission are: 4 English (3 with substantial writing) 3 mathematics (algebra I and above) 3 natural science (2 with substantial lab) 3 social science 2 foreign language (in the same language) 3 approved electives (in certain combinations) Florida Academic Scholars/Florida Medallion Scholars must have: 15 credits in college preparatory courses in the following areas: 4 English (3 with substantial writing) 3 mathematics (algebra I and above) 3 natural science (2 with substantial lab) 3 social science 2 foreign language (in the same language) Up to three additional credits from courses in the academic areas listed above and/or AP, IB, or AICE fine arts courses to raise the GPA A 3.5 weighted GPA in the above courses; 75 hours community service; and a minimum score of 1270 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT to be a Florida Academic Scholar (FAS) A 3.0 weighted GPA in the above courses and a minimum score of 970 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT to be a Florida Medallion Scholar (FMS) Gold Seal Vocational (GSV) Scholars 5 must have: 16 credits in the following areas: 4 English 4 mathematics (including algebra I) 3 natural science 3 social science (American history, world history, American government, and economics) 1 fine arts 1 physical education to include the integration of health A 3.0 weighted GPA in above courses (for 4-year diploma) 3 career/technical job-preparatory or technology education program credits in one career/technical program with an unweighted 3.5 GPA in those courses A minimum score listed below on each subsection of either the CPT or SAT or ACT (Subsections of different test types may not be combined.) CPT: Reading 83/Sentence Skills 83/Algebra 72 SAT: Verbal 440/Math 440 ACT: English 17/Reading 18/Math 19 5 College or career preparatory diplomas may be used to qualify for GSV, with appropriate career/technical education electives. For other ways to qualify, visit 7

9 Florida Department of Education Resources FACTS ( is Florida s free academic advising Web site. The site includes services to help students prepare for, and succeed, in school and beyond. FACTS.org makes it easy for public middle and high school students to be involved in their academic and career planning. By establishing a login ID, students can create an epersonal Education Plan (epep) that maps out high school coursework according to individual goals. Students can also monitor their progress by running evaluations against transcript information and the requirements for high school diplomas, State University System admissions, Bright Futures Scholarships, and a new federal grant called the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). FACTS.org services support Department of Education initiatives and legislative reforms. For more information, contact (813) or facts@admin.usf.edu. Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook is a comprehensive guide designed for Florida s middle and high school guidance counselors. It is intended to help counsel students who will enroll in Florida s postsecondary institutions. The Handbook is updated annually with the most current version available on FACTS.org. Please select Advising Manuals from the home page main menu. Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) administers state-funded grants and scholarship programs and federal student loan financial aid programs to assist students with the costs of postsecondary education. For information, go to or call toll-free (888) Federal student aid Web site provides information for families about federal financial assistance for postsecondary education, including application forms and a calculator to help figure college costs and financial need. Visit Talented 20 Program provides eligible students guaranteed admission to one of the 11 state universities. These students are given priority funding from the Florida Student Assistance Grant Program. For more information on how to qualify, visit or call the Student Support Services Project office at (850) FCAT Explorer is a free online practice program for Florida s public school students. This system features three practice programs created especially for middle school students: Reading Island, Interactive Library, and Math Navigator. The system includes two practice programs created for tenth grade students: Reading Timeline and Math Timeline. All five programs offer practice for the skills tested on the FCAT and include features to help students get the most from their study time. FCAT Explorer is online, which provides students with the opportunity to use the system on any computer connected to the Internet: at school, at the library, or at home. Visit CHOICES Web site is a comprehensive career information system that uses a flexible approach that combines graphics, multimedia, and search strategies to allow students to explore career and educational options. The site includes links to key Web sites related to career exploration to help students plan for a career. Visit Career Voyages Web site provides information and guided support for students in determining the best career path. The site includes Florida-specific information about high-growth jobs with better wages, including new career fields. The site includes video tours for students and an online interest inventory. Visit Major Areas of Interest Web site provides information on major areas of interest, part of new secondary school reform measures aimed at increasing the rigor and relevance of Florida high schools. Link to approved list of major areas of interest (as of December 2006) that will be part of high school coursework required for incoming ninth grade students in the fall of 2007 is provided. Visit 8

10 This document was developed by the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services in collaboration with the Bureau of School Improvement and is distributed by the State of Florida, Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services and the Bureau of School Improvement. Telephone: (850) Fax: (850) SunCom: Web site: John L. Winn, Commissioner